http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clergy-sexual-abuse-s5.jpgClergy abuse survivors group claims additional sex offenders known by Bishop Ricken not named in Thursday's release, and that former Bishop Zubik destroyed abuser priest files before leaving for Pittsburgh in 2007.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tony-evers-democratic-gov-s5.jpgGovernor's plan would provide relief for 86 percent of taxpayers without adding to the deficit or relying on one-time funds.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/icefishing-river-s5.jpgSen. Kathleen Vinehout is working on a bill to restore the ability of people to cross railroad lines to access public lands. Laws meant to protect energy providers from protesters are being felt by folks who cross over land to access public areas, such as fisherman along the Mississippi River. A new Republican bill (AB 547) could make matters worse.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wisconsin_farm_windmill_s5.jpgGov. Scott Walker's politically motivated executive order barring state agencies from working on the state’s Clean Power Plan implementation may cost ratepayers up to $55 million on their energy bills and will almost assure that EPA will impose a federal plan on Wisconsin.

Under the Walker Administration there have been severe and systemic problems at the Department of Corrections, and the resignation of Secretary Ed Wall is not enough to solve them. Assembly Democrats officially request Audit of the Department of Corrections.

MADISON – Following the resignation of Corrections Secretary Ed Wall last Friday, Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) said that the Walker Administration and Republican legislators must also be held accountable for the crisis at the Department of Corrections. Assembly Democrats also officially requested an audit of the Department of Corrections in response to the severe health and safety concerns.

“While a leadership change is warranted, the Walker Administration and Republican legislators must also be held accountable for the crisis at the Department of Corrections,” Rep. Barca said. “Under Gov. Walker and Republicans, our correctional institutions have become dangerously mismanaged and a toxic environment for staff and inmates."

The Walker Administration and Republican lawmakers have known for years that there were significant problems at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake and yet took no action. Wisconsin deserves accountability not only at the Department of Corrections but also throughout the Walker Administration and from Republicans in power to ensure that all our correctional facilities are the safest possible for workers, inmates and the citizens of Wisconsin.

In response to the ongoing issues at the state’s correctional system, members of the Assembly Democratic caucus also formally requested the Joint Committee on Audit to audit the Department of Corrections. A copy of their letter is available here.